The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has raised serious concerns about the alarming practice of vertical hill cuttings in Himachal Pradesh, warning that this destructive method is pushing the hill state toward an environmental catastrophe.
Environmental Emergency in the Making
During a recent hearing, the NGT's principal bench expressed shock at the widespread vertical cutting of hills for various development projects. "This cannot be allowed," the bench declared, emphasizing that such practices are causing irreversible damage to the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
Why Vertical Cuttings Spell Disaster
The tribunal highlighted several critical dangers associated with vertical hill cuttings:
- Increased Landslide Vulnerability: Vertical slopes are inherently unstable and significantly more prone to collapsing, especially during heavy monsoon rains
- Soil Erosion Acceleration: The exposed vertical faces lead to rapid soil erosion, degrading land quality and affecting agricultural productivity
- Ecological Destruction: These cuttings destroy natural habitats, disrupt wildlife corridors, and eliminate vegetation that holds soil together
- Water Source Contamination: The erosion and landslides pollute freshwater sources that communities depend on for survival
NGT's Stern Directive
The green court has issued a clear mandate to the Himachal Pradesh government, demanding immediate action. Authorities must submit a comprehensive report detailing:
- The exact locations where vertical hill cuttings have been permitted
- The specific projects justifying such extreme measures
- Environmental impact assessments conducted for these projects
- Measures taken to mitigate the ecological damage
The Bigger Picture: Development vs. Sustainability
This case represents a crucial test for balancing development needs with environmental protection in ecologically sensitive regions. The NGT's intervention comes at a critical time when Himachal Pradesh has witnessed increasing frequency of landslides and flash floods, many exacerbated by human activities like unchecked construction and unscientific road widening.
The tribunal's stance is clear: Development cannot come at the cost of endangering lives and destroying the very environment that makes Himachal Pradesh unique. Sustainable alternatives must be explored and implemented to ensure that progress doesn't become synonymous with destruction.
As the state government prepares its response, environmentalists and local communities await concrete action that will protect the Himalayan landscape for generations to come.
